How many miles can a Toyota Highlander go on a full tank?
Most Highlanders deliver roughly 410–520 miles per full tank on gasoline models, while the Hybrid version can reach about 600–620 miles under favorable conditions.
The exact distance depends on the engine, drivetrain, and driving conditions. This article breaks down the range estimates for gasoline-only and hybrid Highlanders using published tank capacities and EPA fuel-economy figures.
Gasoline-only Highlander
These figures reflect the conventional (non-hybrid) models and illustrate how tank size and efficiency drive range.
Engine options and drive configurations
Gas-only Highlanders offer two main powertrains with different fuel-economy profiles, which in turn affect how far you can travel on a full tank. The numbers below use representative tank size and EPA estimates for current models.
Before listing the key figures, note that these figures use the typical tank size for recent Highlander models and EPA fuel-economy figures; multiply the tank capacity by the combined mpg to estimate range.
- Fuel tank capacity: 17.9 gallons (approximate for recent model years).
- EPA combined mpg (approximate, varies by engine/drivetrain): about 23–29 mpg.
- Estimated range per tank: roughly 410–520 miles.
In real-world driving, expect ranges toward the lower end in city-heavy conditions and higher ranges on long highway trips with lighter acceleration.
Hybrid Highlander
The Hybrid version combines gasoline and electric propulsion, delivering higher efficiency and a longer potential range per tank.
Hybrid efficiency and range
Hybrid figures reflect a similar, though slightly smaller, fuel tank paired with a high-efficiency powertrain. The numbers below summarize typical values for current Highlander Hybrids.
Before listing the key figures, note that these values assume a typical tank size for Hybrids and EPA efficiency estimates; multiply the tank capacity by the combined mpg to approximate range.
- Fuel tank capacity: about 17.2 gallons (approximate for recent model years).
- EPA combined mpg: roughly 35–36 mpg.
- Estimated range per tank: about 600–620 miles.
Real-world results vary with city versus highway driving, climate control usage, and terrain, but Hybrids generally offer a noticeably longer range than gasoline-only models.
Notes on real-world range
Actual mileage per tank can differ significantly from EPA estimates due to driving style, traffic, weather, cargo load, and the use of features such as climate control. Your trip computer provides a dynamic estimate based on recent driving history.
Summary
In summary, a gasoline-only Toyota Highlander typically yields about 410–520 miles per full tank, while the Highlander Hybrid commonly achieves around 600–620 miles per tank. For precise numbers, consult the EPA ratings for your exact trim and model year, and use the vehicle’s onboard computer to monitor remaining range during trips.
What is the range of the fuel tank on a Toyota Highlander?
The Highlander has more than 510 miles of maximum range on one full tank of gas.
How far can a Toyota Highlander go on a full tank?
510 miles
How Far Can the Toyota Highlander Go On a Tank of Gas? The Highlander has more than 510 miles of driving range on one full tank of fuel. For each trim that uses FWD, they return an estimated EPA of 29 miles per gallon highway and 21 city miles per gallon.
Is the Toyota Highlander good on gas?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander is generally considered good on gas, especially the hybrid model, and is very efficient for its class of midsize SUVs. The gasoline-powered version gets an estimated combined 25 mpg for front-wheel drive and 24 mpg for all-wheel drive, while the hybrid model is significantly more efficient, achieving up to 35 mpg combined.
Gasoline model
- Front-wheel drive: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
- All-wheel drive: 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
- It offers better fuel economy than some direct competitors that rely on larger V6 engines.
Hybrid model
- Combined: 35 mpg across the board
- Benefit: This is a significant improvement over the standard gasoline models and one of the best in the three-row SUV class.
What to consider
- Real-world vs. EPA estimates: Some real-world testing indicates that actual mileage can be lower than EPA estimates, particularly for the Grand Highlander on highway trips at high speeds.
- Grand Highlander: The larger Grand Highlander has slightly different ratings. For example, its non-hybrid version is rated at 24 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg for AWD. The hybrid versions also have different ratings, with some achieving 34 mpg combined.
Can you drive 20 miles on empty?
Yes, you can likely drive 20 miles on "E," as most cars can travel 30 to 50 miles after the fuel light comes on. However, it is risky to push your fuel level this low, as it can damage your fuel pump, and it is best to refuel as soon as possible.
Factors that can affect how far you can drive
- Vehicle type: Larger vehicles may have a smaller reserve than smaller cars.
- Driving conditions: Factors like heavy traffic, hills, and high speeds will consume fuel faster.
- Vehicle condition: An older or poorly maintained car may not have as much reserve fuel.
- Fuel pump health: Running on empty for extended periods can cause the fuel pump to overheat because it is cooled by the gasoline, leading to premature failure.
What to do
- Drive conservatively: Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and try to maintain a steady speed.
- Turn off accessories: Use air conditioning sparingly and turn off other accessories that draw power.
- Find a gas station soon: Plan your route to get to the nearest gas station as quickly as possible to avoid running out of fuel.
